As of yesterday, 22 February 2018, new mandatory data breach legislation has taken effect. This means that certain types of data breaches, known as eligible data breaches, under the Australian Privacy Principles (“APPs”) have mandatory reporting obligations.

The APPs have now been in effect for almost four years. When they first came into effect, many organisations were caught off guard in terms of new requirements, including the need to have a privacy policy in place. The obligations under the APPs have now been extended even further.

The APPs contain certain obligations in relation to personal information and its use, disclosure and protection. These principles apply to a significant number of organisations, known as APP entities, including government bodies and private organisations with a turnover of more than $3 million. Read the rest of this entry »

We live in a global village. Our children, friends and relatives travel the world frequently. They meet, fall in love and partner people from other countries. Frequently they settle down and start families and make difficult decisions when deciding which country will be their home country to raise their children. Relationships can be tough and their lives are often subject to different and complex pressures leading to relationship breakdown.

It is not uncommon for a stay-at-home parent living in a foreign country to feel isolated and to want to return to their home country in order to be near family support and better job opportunities. Some simply up and leave with the children. Others visit overseas family with their children for a holiday, and whilst on holiday choose not to return to their partner and former place of residence. Real people; real problems and difficult solutions.